Creation of the Endowment - An Unprecedented Initiative
In late 2004, a group of Windham citizens began to explore the
possibility of providing private donations to enhance our community. A
volunteer Board of Directors, including a Library Trustee and School
Board member, was formed to investigate a community foundation in
Windham. In January 2005, the Windham Endowment for Community
Advancement was registered with the State of New Hampshire and in August
2006, the IRS approved our tax-exempt status as a Section 501(c)(3)
organization.
During the same period, an interested resident generously provided
funding to hire a consulting firm to determine the level of interest in
and availability of funds for the creation of a private foundation. The
resulting study consisted of 116 completed surveys (an impressive 23%
return rate) and 30 personal interviews. The survey results resoundingly
endorsed the establishment of a foundation and showed a compelling case
for support.
The Windham Endowment worked to establish relationships with Community
Partners so that the Endowment could be a resource for the many
non-profit groups already doing good works in town.
Dedicated funds already exist for the Nesmith Library, WIRE (Windham
Initiative for Alternative Advancement), the Windham Community Band, and
Boy Scout Troop 266.
The Board of Directors also launched the first Capital Campaign to
support enhancements to the new Windham High School. Both a Recruiting
Committee and Steering Committee aided the Board’s efforts for the
Endowment's first capital campaign. The Windham High School Capital
Campaign will continue into next year with the conclusion set for the
spring of 2010. (Click
here
for more information about the Capital Campaign.)
Other community groups such as the Windham Woman’s Club and the Windham
Garden Club have been active supporters of the Endowment’s work.
